United will be hoping that 18-year-old defender Spittal proves to be as much of golden nugget as Andy Robertson, who made the same journey last season and ended it with the prospect of regularly playing at Hampden in front of thousands for Scotland instead of handfuls for the Spiders.

Ferguson took his time to assess his squad before the re-shaping finally took place with five signings and three exits over the final weekend of the transfer window to add to four earlier additions.

Apart from Arbroath and East Fife, where relegation has led to the typical squad restructuring, it is East Stirlingshire and Queen's Park who appear to have the most significant strides in the summer transfer window so far.

Albion Rovers

Key signing: John Gemmell is a seasoned campaigner - and goalscorer - at this level and the 29-year-old steps down a division from Stenhousemuir.

One that got away: Defensive stalwart Barry Russell, 25, won himself a move up a division to Stranraer.

Last season: 7th

Prediction: 1st. New manager Darren Young is putting together a strong-looking squad that could surprise many by becoming title contenders.

East Fife

Key signing: Former St Mirren and Hamilton striker Jon McShane, 22, has returned to Scottish football after a spell with troubled English Northern League outfit Celtic Nation.

One that got away: Goalkeeper Greg Paterson managed to avoid a drop to League Two by winning a deal with promoted Stirling Albion.

Last season: 11th, League One

Prediction: 3rd. Gary Naysmith has axed much of the squad that suffered relegation via the play-offs and he might have to rely on that route again should he wish to lead his side back up in one season.

East Stirlingshire

Key signing: Former St Mirren, Cowdenbeath, Stirling and Brechin forward David McKenna will add experience to what is virtually a completely new squad.

One that got away: After a poor start to the season, summer signing David Niven, the defender freed by Elgin City, and striker Jamie Glasgow, the club's longest-serving player, both left the club, the former citing work pressures and the latter taking time out from football for personal reasons.

Last season: 8th

Prediction: 11th. Shire have lost 11 goals with only one in reply in their two cup games so far this season and it looks likely to be a long hard season for Craig Tully's much-changed squad.

Elgin City

Key signing: Goalkeeper Michael Fraser, 30, moved down three divisions after his release by Ross County following three seasons with the Premiership club.

One that got away: DefenderSean Crighton, 24, impressed former Clyde manager Jim Duffy enough in opposition last season to be offered the chance to join him at his new club, Morton.

Last season: 9th

Prediction: 8th. Elgin have conceded eight goals without reply in their two cup outings so far, but the addition of some experience from higher leagues could help them improve their lowly league standing.

Queen's Park

Key signing: Ross Gallacher has been with several junior clubs but impressed with Pollock to an extent that the left-back has moved into senior football for the first time at 29.

One that got away: Blair Spittal is the latest product of the Spiders' youth policy to win a move to a top club, with the 18-year-old midfielder joining Dundee United.

Last season: 10th

Prediction: 10th. Queen's Park manager Gus MacPherson has gone down the route of raiding the junior ranks and will have to quickly blend together a completely new squad if he is to avoid another bottom finish.